Flood damage at Lowell's historic public library could cost over $300K

LOWELL, Mass. — Officials estimate it will cost about $300,000 to repair a Massachusetts library after a burst pipe dumped thousands of gallons of water into the building.

Priceless books and items were damaged after a pipe burst inside Lowell's public library, one of the oldest libraries in the state.

Five-thousand gallons of water poured from the ceiling inside the Pollard Memorial Library after a pipe burst in the attic. Lowell City Manager Kevin Murphy says the pipe broke sometime after the library closed Friday afternoon, but nobody realized what happened until Monday because the fire alarm never went off.

The cleanup process inside the library will be especially time intensive and was likely caused by the extreme cold earlier this year.

The building dates back to 1890, making it one of the oldest libraries in Massachusetts. Original Audubon sketches and centuries-old murals hang on the walls.

"It's one thing computers. Obviously that's going to be an expense and things like that, but old books that are treasures for the library being destroyed is really heartbreaking to see that," said Murphy.

Crews are now working around-the-clock to dry out the library and books.

Assistant City Manager Michael McGovern says the city will have to cover the full cost of repairs because the insurance policy has a $500,000 deductible. He says the city is currently trying to identify funding sources.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Cox Media Group